HEADS up: Mark Hughes came closest to scoring for Latics when he hit the bar.

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Coca-Cola League One

LATICS’ recent woes continued as a professional Brentford side launched a smash and grab raid to leave Boundary Park with three points.

Martin Allen’s Bees overcame a red card and a missed penalty to take the points courtesy of Scott Fitzgerald’s 66th minute strike.

With Danny Hall recalled at the back and Mark Hughes given his first league start of the season, it was Latics who played the better during the first half.

Hughes showed why Latics fans were calling for him to replace Richard Butcher as he produced a dogged display in midfield.

Killen and Richie Wellens had opportunities within the opening 15 minutes as Latics began well despite Brentford’s tireless closing down.

That began to frustrate Latics followers, especially as referee Tony Bates seemed determined to turn the match into a non-contact affair with free-kicks awarded to the visitors for what appeared fair challenges.

Andy Liddell was inches away from converting Killen’s near-post cross on the half-hour before the best move of the match almost put Latics ahead six minutes later.

Killen’s long ball into the left-hand channel was collected by Beckett whose cross was headed against the bar by the onrushing Hughes.

However, Mr Bates infuriated home fans within five minutes as he awarded Brentford a penalty although Guy Branston’s challenge on Lloyd Owusu seemed to be just outside the area.

It all proved academic though as Chris Day got down well to turn away Kevin O’Connor’s spot-kick and ensure Latics were level at the break.

Mr Bates then took centre stage again 12 minutes into the second half, red-carding DJ Campbell for elbowing Branston.

Rather than capitalise on the extra man, Latics were unable to break their visitors down and it was Brentford who sealed the points.

Having been on the pitch less than a minute, Fitzgerald – a transfer target for Latics last season – got across Terrell Forbes to scuff a shot past Day and into the corner.